Hasan GENÇ
İnönü Üniversitesi Sağlık Hizmetleri Meslek Yüksek Okulu Dergisi - 2026;14(1):49-59
The study aims to compare the effects of open thoracotomy (OTS) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) on patients' pain levels, early mobilization, early discharge, and activities of daily living. This comparative descriptive study includes 120 patients who underwent thoracic surgery between September 2024 and February 2025. During the data collection phase, a Patient Information Form, the Visual Analogue Scale for pain assessment, and the Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale were administered. Statistical analyses included frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, the Chi-square test, and Student's t-test. Comparisons between the VATS and OTS groups demonstrated that patients in the VATS group had lower postoperative pain levels, shorter hospital stays, and higher Katz Activities of Daily Living scores than those in the OTS group (p < 0.05). Additionally, patients in the VATS group exhibited longer durations for the first and second mobilizations but achieved earlier times to both mobilizations (p < 0.05). It was concluded that VATS is a more effective and reliable surgical approach than open thoracotomy with respect to postoperative recovery, complication rates, and early discharge, owing to its less invasive nature.
